Parents Are Debating This 2026 Travel Trend, But The Answer Isn't So Black And White

Trends come and go. Some of them are great, while others can seem a little crazy. One of the top growing travel trends in 2026 is putting the kids in charge of planning the family vacation. It even has a name — "kid-fluencing" — and parents are embracing it to strengthen bonding and create fun family memories. Tripadvisor has released its Trendcast for 2026, and it says that kid-led trips are becoming more common as families look for new ways to connect. That said, not everyone is on board. While some parents are excited to go all in on the trend, others are a bit more skeptical — and for good reason.

In a 2025 US Family Travel Survey from the Family Travel Association and New York University, most parents report that involving their kids in trip planning has had a positive impact on their development. Around 84% of participants report their child being more open-minded and adaptable, and around 62% say it helps older kids develop a more positive outlook on life. However, it's also easy to see how parents might be averse to the idea. "When my son can pay for the vacation, he's welcome to choose the destination," writes travel expert Lori Zaino on Upgraded Points. "I'm happy to plan trips that work for everyone, but it's not a democracy — and definitely not a dictatorship."

Our opinion? Balance is key. Rather than putting your child in the driver's seat, consider letting them steer with your foot on the brake. Mapping the trip together as a family will not only put smiles on everyone's faces, but will also make the trip a real investment in your bond. 

As with most trends, kid-led trips have their pros and cons. Dr. Samantha Fish, a UK-based child psychologist, writes in a guest column on The Travel Psychologist that travel can strengthen a family's shared identity. Having kids involved in the planning can help them feel empowered, learn crucial life skills, and can even be a fun way to integrate schooling. For example, you might take a family road trip on a breathtaking byway in the Ozarks and have your child keep track of the miles you cover each day. Children will learn about the challenges and rewards of planning a big trip. It could be used as an opportunity for siblings to collaborate on a shared goal — they may even get along for once! 

On the other hand, trip planning can be incredibly stressful for families, especially if the kids or parents can't agree on what to do and where to go. Parents might seek activities that are a bit more relaxed, within budget, and potentially educational. Meanwhile, kids will likely make fun and excitement the top priority. To find a middle ground that everyone's happy with, there are a few strategies parents can use to tag team vacation planning with their kids.

The research firm Talker Research surveyed American parents with school-aged children to learn more about kid-led family vacations. The survey found that 86% of kids want to help plan, and 53% want to plan the lion's share of a trip. But this energy and enthusiasm needs to be directed by the parents into more realistic territory. While every family is unique, parents might want to consider a few general rules. For example, kids should be given a budget to work within. As a compromise, allow them to plan one day or an afternoon instead of the entire trip.

Another option is to give your children a list of activities, events, and even hotels to choose from. Have them write a list of pros and cons to help with the final decision. Laura Falin, author of the travel blog Travel Lemming, recommends that everyone in the family gets to pick one activity on their trip. Older kids, for example, will likely want to spread their wings and explore, while younger kids will likely prefer activities that are more familiar and comforting. 

If planning a detailed itinerary is too much work, consider a budget-friendly and simple staycation, or a day trip to save money and enjoy local experiences close to home. Ultimately, a family vacation isn't as much about the destination, but the opportunity it offers to deepen connections, spend quality time, and grow together.